Using Foot Switches and Expression Pedals on the Yamaha GENOS

The Yamaha GENOS has 3 ports on the rear marked as:

1. Sustain
2. Articulation 1
3. Volume

You can connect either a Foot Switch or an Expression Pedal to any of these 3 Assignable Foot Pedal Inputs.

You can assign the functions by going to this page:

MENU | Menu 1 | Assignable

The normal behavior of the Sustain Pedal is to be ON only while the pedal is depressed.
If you find this behavior to be flipped, you can either change the polarity on your device or change the polarity on your GENOS by opening the MENU button on the top right of the Assignable page.

Roland makes a sturdy 3-pedal unit with Half Damper function:


Roland RPU-3 Triple Pedal Unit with Half-Damper function


I use this on the Roland RD-700GX digital piano. It works flawlessly. Unlike mono ¼” jacks that you find on regular Sustain Pedals, the RPU-3 device carries 3 stereo ¼” jacks. This is necessary to support the Half Damper function.

I could not get this to work on the GENOS.

I was hoping to use this unit as a 3 foot switch combo.



Here is what gave me the best results.

1.
Yamaha FC7 Expression Pedals


Yamaha FC7 Expression Pedal


This device is rugged, well built with a smooth sweeping action. It is one of those rare devices still manufactured in Japan and designed to last a lifetime. You can attach multiple FC7 units side by side. You must set the polarity to Positive on the GENOS.

A big advantage of buying from B&H is that not only do they offer free FedEx 2-day delivery but also pays the taxes. You would need to use their PayBoo Credit Card issued by Synchrony Bank with no annual fees.

A cheaper alternative to the Yamaha FC7 is the M-Audio EX-P Expression Pedal:


M-Audio EX-P Expression Pedal


It is better to pay an extra $10 and get the real deal. There is a reason why the Yamaha FC7 has become the industry standard.

I have two of these connected to the Nectar Pacer foot controller. The feel, action and size of the FC7 units make the two built-in expression pedals on the Behringer FCB1010 device feel like toys.




2.
M-Audio SP-2 Universal Sustain Pedals


M-Audio SP-2 Universal Sustain Pedal

This is reasonably well built. It has a polarity switch on the bottom. The action feels nice. The price is right at $25.

I am using 3 of these on the 3 assignable Foot Pedal Inputs on the GENOS.

However, if you are willing to spend $5 more, you can get the real deal from Yamaha:


Yamaha FC4A - Piano Style Switching Sustain Pedal